Hearts 5 - 1 Inverness: Don Cowie inspires rampant Jambos

The former Scotland midfielder claimed two goals and two assists in the Tynecastle club’s first league win of the new campaign – which included a long-awaited debut for American striker Bjorn Johnsen.

Conor Sammon headed the second goal after Cowie’s well-executed opener with his left foot. The 2-0 half-time advantage put the hosts in control, and Cowie struck again two minutes into the second half to put the result beyond any doubt. A late double by Sam Nicholson merely emphasised Hearts’ dominance before Callum Paterson’s own goal gave Inverness a consolation.

There were plenty standouts in maroon on a damp afternoon, Sammon, Igor Rossi, Perry Kitchen and Arnaud Djoum and Nicholson amongst them. However, the day belonged to Cowie, who was imperious from start to finish in central midfield. Some clinical finishing and crisp passing moves were the theme of this convincing win.

Pre-match news that FIFA had cleared Johnsen’s transfer saw the Hearts support arrive at Tynecastle in anticipation. The American striker started on the substitutes’ bench having waited a full month to have his move ratified because Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia claimed he had a contract with them.

Midfielder Perry Kitchen also made his first domestic start of the campaign for Hearts after injury, whilst Inverness had to do without winger Billy King. It was agreed as part of his loan move that he wouldn’t play against his parent club. The exciting and pacey Jake Mulraney took his place.

The visitors found themselves up against it after conceding the opening goal just seven minutes in. They at least had the consolation of knowing Hearts had constructed a fine passing move to open them up.